So a few weeks ago, my boobs started leaking (I am 27 weeks pregnant). After much gagging on my part and some concern on my husbands part, we figured out it was colostrum. The OB confirmed this at my last visit. Very yucky, mildly inconvienent. On top of that, I went into preterm labor a few weeks before that and am confined to my couch until the baby is born. Can't do anything that could possibly start the labor going. My question is, I had heard that expressing the ickiness can start the process. I see something gross coming out of my boob and it is a natural instinct to want to get rid of it. Should I avoid this, or is the nipple stimulation stuff an old wives tale?
2006-11-17 14:24:55 · 6 answers · asked by emmadropit 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Don't be mean! This is our first baby, and everything surprises me. They have never leaked before, and I thought it was yuck.
2006-11-17 14:35:44 · update #1
OK- I have been a little misleading. Let me explain, I have been a paramedic for 6 years (OB is not something we deal with on a regular basis in my area). I am fine with the poop, pee, vomit, meconium.. the whole 9 yards. I guess it is different when I am the patient and I am the one leaking. I DO plan to breastfeed as well. Does that help a bit?
2006-11-17 14:45:16 · update #2
is it a natural instinct to want to get rid of your colostrum? ickiness? lol this is a part of being pregnaunt a big part if you plan on breastfeeding but i can confidently assume that you think that breastfeeding is nasty too right lol
sorry i just cant belive the question
and yes i have heard from many ppl that nipple stimulation does bring on labor but you have to do it for hours a day
2006-11-17 14:31:55 · answer #1 · answered by blackhairedbaby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not an old wive's tale at all. Sitmulating the nipples releases oxytocin, which is the labour hormone that causes uterine contractions. You'll believe this after you have your baby and start nursing, because you'll get cramps when you nurse for a few days afterward. So, leave the boobs alone. Would nursing pads for your bra make you feel more comfortable?
A question - if you're gagging over colostrum now, what happens when your milk comes in and you really start leaking?
2006-11-17 14:31:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that people are so mean. I'm a paramedic, too, and while I can handle anything I see at my job, I can't stand the sight of my own blood. It's a bit embarrasing to pass out at the blood donation center after telling everyone that you're a paramedic! I totally understand your feelings here.
I don't know much about OB either, but it seems like the best course of action would be to contact your OB/GYN, explain what's happening, and get her advice on what to do. Don't think that she will judge you, I'm sure that lots of expectant mothers have felt the same way.
Congratuations on your pregnancy, and hope everything works out well!
2006-11-19 05:51:54 · answer #3 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wear some nursing pads to hopefully absorb the breast leakage and don't stimulate your nipples cause it will and can put you into labor.
If you think that is gross wait till your baby has its first meconium stool. You better toughen up the poop, puke and etc. are soon to come.
2006-11-17 14:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by schell_75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relax - this isn't vomit coming out of your breast. Leave your breasts alone or else you will encourage milk, then your breasts will become engorged and hurt. Don't be so uptight you're going to be a mom soon, and babies make all sorts of yuky messes. I assume you don't want to make your child think he/she is gross.
2006-11-17 14:32:20 · answer #5 · answered by manywarhoops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Niple stimulation CAN cause labour to start. So that's not a good idea for you to do that.
Why do you think it's so "icky"???
2006-11-17 14:28:58 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Jenn♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋